Bullets are quite straightforward, literally speaking, unless you are living in a world such as ‘Wanted’ where you can make the bullets curve in mid-air. However, it seems that DARPA can do more than just curve the bullet’s trajectory. Say hello to Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance aka EXACTO; a .50 caliber bullet that is capable of manoeuvring while in flight to maintain the aim on target.
Although there is no definite explanation of how this bullet works and as expected, the public description revealed by DARPA is quite vague; ‘The system combines a maneuverable bullet and a real-time guidance system to track and deliver the projectile to the target, allowing the bullet to change path during flight to compensate for any unexpected factors that may drive it off course. Technology development in Phase II included the design, integration and demonstration of aero-actuation controls, power sources, optical guidance systems, and sensors.’
The technology, however, sure does come with a promising future, one where the bullet will be able to tackle wind, dust and other myriad factors while enhancing a sniper’s accuracy and also diminishing the risk of a missed shot that would subsequently reveal the sniper’s location.
Heads up for the bad guys – bullet with your name is on its way and it won’t miss no matter where you go!